Information distribution reproduction system, information distribution method, information reproduction method, information recording method, information distributing apparatus, information reproducing apparatus , information recording apparatus, recording medium, and work apparatus

Abstract

A work is advanced according to an instruction of reproduction information with a minimum operation, by automatically stopping the reproduction information at a desired position and resuming it as desired. Information distributed from an information distribution apparatus includes indexes, the information with the indexes are temporarily recorded on an information recording medium of an information recording/reproduction apparatus, and reproduction of the recorded information is temporarily stopped at a desired position on the basis of the result of detection of an index, and the result of mode selection by the user of the information as to whether reproduction should be temporarily stopped at the detected index. Then, the user of the information resumes reproduction of the information as desired by using an operation switch.

1 . An information distribution/reproduction system for distributing and reproducing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is distributed;    each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping reproduction of the information at the detected index or a mode of continuing reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether reproduction of the information should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         2 . An information distribution/reproduction system for distributing and reproducing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is distributed;    the information including the indexes is temporarily recorded on a recording medium by an information recording/reproduction means, and the information recorded on the recording medium is reproduced;    each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping reproduction of the information at a detected index or a mode of continuing reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether reproduction of the information recorded on the recording medium should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         3 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein 
 an instruction for resuming reproduction of the information, which reproduction is being temporarily stopped on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means, is transmitted to an information distribution apparatus which has distributed the information in which the indexes are inserted.    
     
     
         4 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein 
 information in which the indexes are not inserted is distributed, and the information is reproduced.  
 
     
     
         5 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 4 , wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus, which reproduces the information that includes the indexes and is distributed from the information distribution apparatus, is specified by an information reproduction apparatus specifying means;    even when distribution of the information from the distribution apparatus is interrupted, the information is redistributed by a resume means to the information reproduction apparatus to which the information has been distributed; and    accounting information according to the information is formed by an accounting information formation means.    
     
     
         6 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein 
 information, in which an index including data of addresses that indicate the positions of paragraphs in the information is inserted at the beginning of the information, is distributed;  
 the index is detected by the index address detection means;  
 the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and  
 when the information reaches any of the addresses, a detection signal is outputted by the index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.  
 
     
     
         7 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 6 , wherein 
 when the information is work information, the index is inserted between a procedure along which the user of the information actually performs the work, and a procedure along which a working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time when the user of the information operates the working apparatus.    
     
     
         8 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 1  or  2 , wherein 
 when the information is work information, the contents of a work corresponding to each of plural blocks into which the information is divided by the indexes are recorded as characters in a position where reproduction of the information is to be temporarily stopped at any of the indexes.  
 
     
     
         9 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein 
 when reproduction of the information is temporarily stopped at the index, an image in which the contents of a work corresponding to each of plural blocks into which the information is divided by the indexes are recorded as characters, is displayed.    
     
     
         10 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 7 , wherein 
 it is detected by a start-of-work detection means that the working apparatus for performing the work on the basis of the information starts the work.    
     
     
         11 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 10 , wherein 
 the time required for the work is stored in each index by a work time storage means;    the information between the indexes is stored as a block by a work block storage means;    the remaining time of the time required for the work, in which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time, is counted by a timer means; and    a work procedure is determined by a work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the work is minimized, according to a total time storage means, the work block storage means, and the timer means.    
     
     
         12 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 11 , wherein 
 at least one of the times stored in the work time storage means is changed by a work time change means.    
     
     
         13 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 11 , wherein 
 the time during which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period is counted by a time counting means from a point of time when distribution of the information, which has been temporarily stopped by the information reproduction control means, is resumed; and    a work procedure is determined by the work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the subsequent work becomes shortest, by comparing the remaining work time, the time required for the work to be performed by the worker in the future, and the time required for the work to be performed by the working apparatus.    
     
     
         14 . An information distribution/reproduction system as defined in  claim 13 , wherein 
 the information is information for performing cooking;    the work the worker actually performs is a work such as cutting, forming, stirring, mixing, or the like during the cooking; and    the work the working apparatus automatically performs is a work such as cooling, heating, or the like.    
     
     
         15 . An information distribution method for distributing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is distributed.    
     
     
         16 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 15 , wherein information in which the indexes are not inserted is distributed.  
     
     
         17 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus, which reproduces the information that includes the indexes and is distributed from an information distribution apparatus, is specified by an information reproduction apparatus specifying means;    even when distribution of the information from the distribution apparatus is interrupted, the information is redistributed by a resume means to the information reproduction apparatus to which the information has been distributed; and    accounting information according to the information is formed by an accounting information formation means.    
     
     
         18 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 17 , wherein 
 an index including data of addresses that indicate the positions of paragraphs in the information, which index is inserted at the beginning of the information, is detected by an index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of the addresses, a detection signal is outputted by the index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         19 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 18 , wherein 
 the time required for the work is stored in each index by a work time storage means;    the information between the indexes is stored as a block by a work block storage means;    the remaining time of the time required for the work, in which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time, is counted by a timer means; and    a work procedure is determined by a work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the work is minimized, according to a total time storage means, the work block storage means, and the timer means.    
     
     
         20 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 19 , wherein 
 at least one of the times stored in the work time storage means is changed by a work time change means.    
     
     
         21 . An information distribution method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein 
 the time during which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period is counted by a time counting means from a point of time when distribution of the information which has been temporarily stopped by the information reproduction control means is resumed; and    a work procedure is determined by the work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the subsequent work is minimized, by comparing the remaining work time, the time required for the work to be performed by the worker in the future, and the time required for the work to be performed by the working apparatus.    
     
     
         22 . An information reproduction method for distributing and reproducing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is reproduced.    
     
     
         23 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 22 , wherein 
 each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping the reproduction of the information at the detected index or a mode of continuing the reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether the reproduction of the information should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         24 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 23 , wherein 
 an instruction for resuming reproduction of the information, which reproduction is being temporarily stopped on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means, is distributed to an information distribution apparatus which distributes the information in which the indexes are inserted.    
     
     
         25 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 23 , wherein 
 information in which the indexes are not inserted is reproduced.    
     
     
         26 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 25 , wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus, which reproduces the information that includes the indexes and is distributed from the information distribution apparatus, is specified by an information reproduction apparatus specifying means;    even when distribution of the information from the distribution apparatus is interrupted, the information is redistributed by a resume means to the information reproduction apparatus to which the information has been distributed; and    accounting information according to the information is formed by an accounting information formation means.    
     
     
         27 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 21 , wherein 
 an index including data of addresses that indicate the positions of paragraphs in the information, which index is inserted at the beginning of the information, is detected by an index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of the addresses, a detection signal is outputted by the index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         28 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 23 , wherein 
 the information is work information, and an index display means displays an image in which the contents of a work corresponding to each of plural blocks into which the information is divided at the indexes are recorded as characters, when reproduction of the information is temporarily stopped due to the index.    
     
     
         29 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 27 , wherein 
 it is detected by a work start detection means that the working apparatus for performing a work on the basis of the information starts the work.    
     
     
         30 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 29 , wherein 
 the time required for the work is stored in each index by a work time storage means;    the information between the indexes is stored as a block in a work block storage means;    the remaining time of the time required for the work, in which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time, is counted by a timer means; and    a work procedure is determined by a work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the work is minimized, according to a total time storage means, the work block storage means, and the timer means.    
     
     
         31 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 30 , wherein 
 at least one of the times stored in the work time storage means is changed by a work time change means.    
     
     
         32 . An information reproduction method as defined in  claim 31 , wherein 
 the time during which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period is counted by a time counting means from a point of time when distribution of the information, which has been temporarily stopped by the information reproduction control means, is resumed; and    a work procedure is determined by the work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the subsequent work is minimized, by comparing the remaining work time, the time required for the work to be performed by the worker in the future, and the time required for the work to be performed by the working apparatus.    
     
     
         33 . An information recording method for recording information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is recorded together with the indexes on a recording medium by an information recording/reproduction means, or the information recorded on the recording medium is reproduced;    each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping the reproduction of the information at the detected index or a mode of continuing the reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether the reproduction of the information should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         34 . An information recording method as defined in  claim 33 , wherein 
 the index is detected by the index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of addresses included in the index, a detection signal is outputted by an index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         35 . An information distribution apparatus for distributing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is distributed.    
     
     
         36 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 35 , wherein 
 information in which the indexes are not inserted is distributed.    
     
     
         37 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 36 , wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus, which reproduces the information that includes the indexes and is distributed from the information distribution apparatus, is specified by an information reproduction apparatus specifying means;    even when distribution of the information from the distribution apparatus is interrupted, the information is redistributed by a resume means to the information reproduction apparatus to which the information has been distributed; and    accounting information according to the information is formed by an accounting information formation means.    
     
     
         38 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 37 , wherein 
 an index including data of addresses that indicate the positions of paragraphs in the information, which index is inserted at the beginning of the information, is detected by the index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of the addresses, a detection signal is outputted by the index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         39 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 38 , wherein 
 the time required for the work is stored in each index by a work time storage means;    the information between the indexes is stored as a block in a work block storage means;    the remaining time of the time required for the work, in which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time, is counted by a timer means; and    a work procedure is determined by a work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the work is minimized, according to a total time storage means, the work block storage means, and the timer means.    
     
     
         40 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 39 , wherein 
 at least one of the times stored in the work time storage means is changed by a work time change means.    
     
     
         41 . An information distribution apparatus as defined in  claim 40 , wherein 
 the time during which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period is counted by a time counting means from a point of time when distribution of the information which has been temporarily stopped by the information reproduction control means is resumed; and    a work procedure is determined by the work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the subsequent work is minimized, by comparing the remaining work time, the time required for the work to be performed by the worker in the future, and the time required for the work to be performed by the working apparatus.    
     
     
         42 . An information reproduction apparatus for distributing and reproducing information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted, is reproduced.    
     
     
         43 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 42 , wherein 
 each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping the reproduction of the information at the detected index or a mode of continuing the reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether the reproduction of the information should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         44 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , wherein 
 an instruction for resuming reproduction of the information, which reproduction is being temporarily stopped on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means, is distributed to an information distribution apparatus which distributes the information in which the indexes are inserted.    
     
     
         45 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , wherein 
 information in which the indexes are not inserted is reproduced.    
     
     
         46 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 45 , wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus, which reproduces the information that includes the indexes and is distributed from the information distribution apparatus, is specified by an information reproduction apparatus specifying means;    even when distribution of the information from the distribution apparatus is interrupted, the information is redistributed by a resume means to the information reproduction apparatus to which the information has been distributed; and    accounting information according to the information is formed by an accounting information formation means.    
     
     
         47 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , wherein 
 an index including data of addresses that indicate the positions of paragraphs in the information, which index is inserted at the beginning of the information, is detected by an index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of the addresses, a detection signal is outputted by the index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         48 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 43 , wherein 
 the information is work information, and an index display means displays an image in which the contents of a work corresponding to each of plural blocks into which the information is divided at the indexes are recorded as characters, when reproduction of the information is temporarily stopped due to the index.    
     
     
         49 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 47 , wherein 
 it is detected by a work start detection means that the working apparatus for performing a work on the basis of the information starts the work.    
     
     
         50 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 49 , wherein 
 the time required for the work is stored in each index by a work time storage means;    the information between the indexes is stored as a block in a work block storage means;    the remaining time of the time required for the work, in which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period of time, is counted by a timer means; and    a work procedure is determined by a work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the work is minimized, according to a total time storage means, the work block storage means, and the timer means.    
     
     
         51 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 50 , wherein 
 at least one of the times stored in the work time storage means is changed by a work time change means.    
     
     
         52 . An information reproduction apparatus as defined in  claim 51 , wherein 
 the time during which the working apparatus automatically performs the work for a predetermined period is counted by a time counting means from a point of time when distribution of the information which has been temporarily stopped by the information reproduction control means is resumed; and    a work procedure is determined by the work procedure optimization means so that the time required for the subsequent work is minimized, by comparing the remaining work time, the time required for the work to be performed by the worker in the future, and the time required for the work to be performed by the working apparatus.    
     
     
         53 . An information recording apparatus for recording information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is recorded together with the indexes on a recording medium by an information recording/reproduction means, and the information recorded on the recording medium is reproduced;    each index is detected by an index detection means;    either a mode of temporarily stopping the reproduction of the information at the detected index or a mode of continuing the reproduction is selected by a mode selection means; and    whether the reproduction of the information should be temporarily stopped or continued is controlled by an information reproduction control means, on the basis of the results obtained by the index detection means and the mode selection means.    
     
     
         54 . An information recording apparatus as defined in  claim 53 , wherein 
 the index is detected by the index address detection means;    the detected index is stored in an index address storage means; and    when the information reaches any of index addresses, a detection signal is outputted by an index address detection means, and the index is inserted and recorded in the address.    
     
     
         55 . An information recording medium in which information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters, or the like is recorded, wherein 
 information in which indexes indicating paragraphs of the information are inserted is recorded together with the indexes.    
     
     
         56 . A working apparatus for performing a work on the basis of information such as a moving picture, a still picture, a sound, characters or the like, wherein 
 an information reproduction apparatus is informed that the working apparatus starts a work on the basis of the information.